I have an 04 GT wagon that I was told had an exhaust leak when I bought it (guy that did the roadworthy said he did a patch-up job over the headers and that I should have it fixed soon).
I was replacing a radiator hose the other day, had the covers etc off and noticed that when I had it running in had a bit of smoke coming out of the front-most part of the headers. Also, the exhaust is MUCH more audible and there is an obvious leak somewhere at the front of the car (my money is obviously on the headers).
But yesterday, after driving for maybe 10 mins, I went inside for maybe 30 mins, came back and the car took a lot of cranking before it got going, stall when I went to take off then needed a lot more cranking again. It did this twice more during the day (every time I went for a warm start) but drove fine once it was going.
I am presuming the exhaust leak has caused some confusion to the MAF/02 sensor or something and that is what is giving it difficulty starting, would this be right or am I completely off.
I am intending on replacing the headers regardless, what are my options, I want a power upgrade (already have a dump pipe TBE kido tune etc) but an eas changeover.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys.